The Groves Assessment and Psychotherapy, founded by Dr. Castillo in 2016, is a private, outpatient mental health clinic that provides services to children, adults, couples, and families. The clinic offers comprehensive assessment and treatment for a variety of psychological conditions. Our services are provided by an amazing team of psychologists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, therapists, counselors, and coaches.
Practice Amenities:
- Psychological testing and treatments (individual, couple, family, etc.)
- A variety of psychological testing and assessment services
- Expertise in working with children, adolescents, and families
- A comfortable and relaxed setting, accessible and pet-friendly.
- A team of highly skilled professionals committed to providing quality care and an unmatched level of privacy and exclusivity
- An emphasis on evidence-based treatments and a focus on prevention and early intervention
Our team of psychologists, life coaches, and counselors work together to provide high-quality, individualized care for each client. Our space features a uniquely distinguished psychology program, which synergizes superior clinical care, research at the forefront of knowledge, education and training for clinicians in an exceptional faculty community, and unparalleled collaboration in outstanding facilities.
Our mission statements:
We BELIEVE that you matter; whatever your age, stage in life, gender or background. That despite your successes or failures there is always room for improving your quality of life through mental and emotional wellbeing.
We UNDERSTAND that life is complicated and that loss, trauma, divorce, as well as the battles we face in our mind (whether big or small) can disrupt an otherwise satisfying and productive life.
We STRIVE to give you exceptional attention, starting with our comprehensive, diverse, evidence-based approach to our treatments with the finest mental health team in South Texas.
We PROMISE to listen, to accept you, to be compassionate and supportive, providing a safe and professional space. We will always honor your utmost privacy and confidentiality.
We WILL put you first; by offering flexible schedules that suit your needs and availability, by creating a unique plan of care suited for your needs and goals, and by giving you different meeting options such as in-person, virtual or group settings, as well as Spanish-speaking sessions.
Our Core Values
Acceptance, Proactivity, Privacy, Respect, Compassion, Social Responsibility, Excellence, Client-Focus Ethics, One team.
MISSION
Our mission is to provide a comprehensive, safe, supportive, and compassionate healing environment that focuses on cultivating self-discovery, connection, healing, and personal growth.
We focus on providing you with high-quality and diverse psychological services to children, teens, adults, and couples, that include the following: individual and group therapy, assessments, pediatric therapy, and animal-assisted therapy. Our team consists of a dynamic group of elite, skilled clinicians, who strive to help clients navigate life’s struggles. Our services are available in both English and Spanish.
Mental Health Professionals
OUR THERAPISTS ARE LICENSED PROFESSIONALS WHO POSSESS GRADUATE DEGREES OR DOCTORATES IN THEIR FIELD OF PRACTICE AS WELL AS ADVANCED TRAINING EXPERIENCE
Psychologists:
Dr. Juan (Carlos) Castillo (he/him)
Owner and clinical director of The Groves, and is Valley-born and raised. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University and his Doctoral Degree at the Texas School of Professional Psychology, at Argosy University-Dallas. Dr. Castillo has notable experience in psychological and neuropsychological assessments.
Dr. Castillo utilizes an integrative approach to psychotherapy that combines Schema Therapy, Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Experiential, Interpersonal, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Dr. Castillo’s interests and experience include working with personality disorders, trauma, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, he assists individuals with adjustment issues such as relationship problems, divorce, work problems, and general stress
Dr. Kim Villabona, Psy.D (she/her)
Received her degree in Clinical Psychology in 1986 from Forest Institute in Chicago. She studied at the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute and completed her clinical internship with the Chicago Bureau of Mental Health. She did post-doctoral work in forensic clinical neuropsychology at the Federal Medical Center and was adjunct staff at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Villabona was a senior forensic consultant to the Chief Judge of the Criminal Courts in Chicago.
Dr. Villabona is certified in the treatment of complex trauma. She offers psychodynamic therapy, effective for those who desire lasting change through an examination of the roots of emotional problems, especially problematic relationship patterns and self-esteem issues. Dr. Villabona also provides brief psychodynamic therapy, a time-limited approach with a circumscribed focus.
Dr. Chris Carcamo (he/him)
Is a first-generation-born American with parents born and raised in El Salvador. Grateful for unique experiences and exposure to the constant balancing of being a first-generation-born American while preserving his Salvadorian culture. His interest in psychology stems from a fascination with the human experience and a variety of life experiences, motivating him to provide care, support, and education to those navigating life’s hardships, accomplishments, and transitions.
Describing his approach to therapy as strategically eclectic, he intentionally selects the most compatible and appropriate evidence-based psychotherapies for individual needs, often integrating aspects of multiple approaches. He specializes in both sex therapy and working with individuals with chronic pain and medical conditions. He takes a holistic, systems-based, relational approach, drawing from previous clinical experience in various settings.
Dr. Christian Crespo Rodríguez (he/him)
Is a licensed psychologist from the Ponce Health Sciences University in Puerto Rico. He has worked in diverse environments that include hospitals, schools, and interdisciplinary centers. Also, has experience with different populations and mental health disorders, such as mood disorders (depression, anxiety), personality disorders, and trauma. He uses a holistic approach according to the client’s needs and capabilities and has experience with different therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (short, long-term, trauma-focused, play therapy) and mindfulness. But his main approach in therapy is depth psychology (psychodynamic approach) and schema therapy.
His goal in therapy is to work with the client as a team, to provide them with a place where they can feel safe and be themselves without fear of being judged, as well as help them rewrite their internal narratives.
Post Docs:
Dr. Tim Hollinger (he/him)
Supervised by Dr. Villabona
Dr. Tim Hollinger has dedicated his life to serving others, from military service to business ownership and currently as a mental health professional in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Born and raised in McAllen, he is a Valley native who works well with diverse populations and in a variety of settings. Tim received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley, a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University, a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Walden University, and a doctorate (Ph.D.) in clinical psychology with a specialization in forensic psychology from Walden University. Throughout his educational journey, Tim has been a member and officer in a number of honor societies, including Psi Chi, The Golden Key, and the Fulbright Program. Tim currently works at The Groves Assessment and Psychotherapy, specializing in psychological evaluation for neurodevelopmental disorders and psychotherapy
Dr. Melissa Briones (she/her)
Supervised by Dr. Carcamo
Dr. Melissa Briones Zamora was born in Mexico and raised in the Rio Grande Valley by her monolingual Spanish-speaking parents, an upbringing that shaped her deep appreciation for culture, language, and family. She recently completed her doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of North Texas. Prior to her doctoral training, she completed a master’s degree in clinical psychology at Sam Houston State University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Texas–Rio Grande Valley.
Before joining The Groves, she completed her doctoral internship at Momentous Institute, where she also trained for two additional years as a practicum student.
She is especially passionate about supporting bicultural and bilingual children, adolescents, and their families. Her approach is warm, collaborative, and culturally responsive, and she strives to create a space where clients feel seen, understood, and supported.
Dr. Eleyonzettah Bonilla (she/her)
Supervised by Dr. Castillo
Dr. Bonilla believes that therapy is a profound journey of self-discovery and healing, it’s a space where individuals can feel seen, heard, and valued in their entirety, without judgment. The therapeutic process is about enriching one’s life, fostering a deeper connection with oneself and others, shifting patterns that no longer serve us.
Dr. Bonilla’s approach is highly personalized and empathetic. She strives to provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where, together, she and her client can explore their individual narrative at a pace that feels comfortable for them. Integrating a range of evidence-based practices, she adapts their sessions to align with their specific needs and aspirations. The heart of her work is to empower her client to enact positive changes and to honor their journey towards growth and self-compassion with every step they take together.
LPAs.:
Delia Villarreal, M.A. (she/her)
Is an Independent Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA-I) with nearly 16 years of experience providing the community with culturally sensitive, highly specialized, holistic, and empirically supported psychological services. She is a native of Monterrey, Mexico, and has lived in South Texas for 25 years. As a fully bilingual psychology practitioner, Ms. Villarreal offers comprehensive and thorough Spanish, English, and dual-language evaluations, brief examinations, and long-term treatment for children, adolescents, adults, and the geriatric population.
Her specialties are in pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, emotional disturbances, non-suicidal self-injury and suicidality, adult personality disorders, anxiety and posttraumatic stress, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, conduct and behavioral disorders, intellectual disabilities, and learning disorders.
Frida Prazaline, M.A. (she/her)
Born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, and holds a masters in clinical psychology from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Currently a Licensed Psychological Associate under the supervision of Dr. Castillo and has experience working as a life coach.
Completing her internship at The Groves, she gained experience in counseling and assessments, working with young adults, adults, and couples dealing with mood disorders, body image issues, relationship issues, and trauma. She prefers an eclectic or integrative approach, rejecting the notion of one-size-fits-all forms of treatment.
She believes that each individual can determine the direction of their own life, free from the chains of past traumas, current stressors, and the expectations of others.
Lorena Houghton, M.A. (she/her)
Lorena Hoguhton is a Master’s student in the Clinical Psychology Program at UTRGV, completing her practicum under the supervision of Dr. Felicia Garcia. Lorena is from McAllen, Tx and graduated with her B.S. in psychology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2022.
Lorena’s interests include eating disorders, women’s issues, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), intellectual disabilities, and learning disorders. At The Groves, Lorena helps conduct psychological evaluations for foster children and bariatric patients and provides therapeutic services using an integrative approach which includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Person-Centered Therapy.
LPCs:
Roylinda Guerra, Counseling Intern (she/her)
Amanda Chavez, MA (she/her)
Amanda is a Licensed Professional Counselor and LPC Supervisor who earned her Master of Arts in Counseling from St. Edward’s University. She provides counseling services to children, adolescents, adults, and parents, and offers supervision to LPC-Associates working toward licensure. Her professional experience includes work in hospital and school settings, supporting a diverse range of clients.
Amanda works with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, ADHD, self-esteem concerns, and life transitions. She utilizes evidence-based approaches tailored to each client, some of which include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play therapy, mindfulness strategies, and solution-focused interventions.
Amanda values collaboration as a core component of effective treatment. She partners with parents to provide consistent support across home, school, and daily environments, equipping families with practical tools that promote emotional growth, resilience, and healthy relationships.
Venessa Lopez, MA (she/her)
Venessa is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas, born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, and she is deeply committed to supporting the emotional well-being of my community. Venessa works with adolescents, adults, and couples, helping patients navigate challenges related to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar disorder, Borderline Personality disorder, self-esteem concerns, emotional regulation difficulties, and trauma. She is bilingual and welcomes Spanish-speaking patients, offering therapy in both English and Spanish.
Venessa believes therapy works best when patients feel safe, understood, and supported. Her approach is trauma-informed, compassionate, and collaborative, drawing from a blend of evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness-based practices, person-centered therapy, and skills-based interventions. When working with couples, she uses Gottman Method–informed strategies and Emotionally Focused Therapy to help partners improve communication, strengthen emotional connection, and rebuild trust in a respectful and supportive way.
Venessa strives to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where patients can explore their experiences at their own pace, navigate past and present traumas, build confidence, and develop tools to manage life’s stressors more effectively. Therapy is a partnership, and she works alongside patients to foster healing, resilience, and meaningful personal growth.
Joceline Mena Teran, M.A. (she/her)
Joceline, was born in Mexico and raised in the Rio Grande Valley. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Expressive Arts and later completed her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Joceline completed her clinical training in private practice settings, where she developed a culturally sensitive and integrative approach to therapy. She combines evidence-based interventions with creative modalities that enhance emotional expression, address diverse communication styles, and build on clients’ individual strengths.
She specializes in working with children, youth, and families, especially within Latino and bilingual communities. Currently, Joceline is working toward licensure as a Licensed Psychological Associate and practices as a Life Coach under the supervision of Dr. Castillo. In her coaching work, she supports clients navigating life transitions, helps them develop emotion regulation skills, and builds coping strategies that foster resilience and overall well-being.
Our Community Outreach Coordinator:
Rebecca Castillo, B.A.
Rebecca Castillo has consistently demonstrated a deep passion for community engagement throughout her life. Her early experiences, such as volunteering at the George Brown Convention in Houston, actively participating in serving meals to the community on Thanksgiving mornings, have left a lasting impression. Upon relocating to the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), Rebecca was determined to continue her commitment to community involvement and support.
In her role as Community Outreach Coordinator, Rebecca actively oversees and collaborates on various events and donation initiatives aimed at bolstering our community. Her dedication to fostering community connections and facilitating support underscores her valuable contributions to our organization.
